Jammu & Kashmir, PoK and Ladakh are part of India, says PM Modi at all-party meet

Srinagar, Aug 12: At the all-party meeting held to discuss the ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Aug 12, said that Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Ladakh are integral parts of India.

The Prime Minister, while speaking at the all-party meet reiterated India's stand on Kashmir and also said that "there will not be any compromise on national security".

While asserting that there can be no compromise on national security, PM Modi also said that "we need to build the confidence of the people in Jammu and Kashmir".

PM also made it clear that PoK is a part of Jammu and Kashmir and an integral part of India.

"I am as pained as anyone of you. Like any Indian, I, too, am pained at the recent incidents that have taken place in J&K, PM said.

At the same time, Prime Minister also expressed happiness that all parties had spoken in one voice on the issue.

He also expressed gratitude to all the parties for raising concerns with regard to the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting convened today, suggestions were made by political parties to start the dialogue process with the stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that all the suggestions made by the parties would be considered.

Further, the government was also advised to take Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) suggested that the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) be withdrawn from civilian areas.

Further, it was suggested that the use of pellet guns must be stopped immediately.

During the meeting, all parties felt that the situation and tension in the Valley must be defused at the earliest.

The former prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh made it clear that immediate steps ought to be taken to defuse the present tense and tragic situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

He further said that it is the duty of the government to come up with a road map to defuse the tensions.

"I assure the government that any positive step taken will have our full support", the former PM also said.